Population-based epidemiology: The Glostrup Population Studies 1964–2021

Abstract

The Glostrup Population Studies are population-based cohorts undertaken in the south-western part of Greater Copenhagen since 1964. The participants were randomly selected from the adult general population. The first cohort was established to assess cardiovascular risk factors and, since, the objectives have been broadened to describe and analyse the health of the general population. The studies are health-examination studies with clinical and biochemical data in addition to data from self-administered questionnaires and, in some studies, interviews. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected and stored in our biobank for further studies. Several of the cohorts were performed according to standardized methods in international consortia, hence data have been pooled with other, both Danish and international, cohorts. To date more than 30,000 individuals, both men and women, aged 15–85 years, have participated in The Glostrup Population Studies and participants have been re-examined up to eight times. The data can be used for disease-specific epidemiology, social epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, ageing, lifestyle and health interventions nested within the cohorts. The Glostrup Population Studies represent a great resource; the possibility of merging the different cohorts enables large datasets, as well as trends over time. Furthermore, the long follow-up in both the national registers and with follow-up examinations is unique. The purpose of this commentary is to inform about The Glostrup Population Studies and to invite collaborations to continue utilizing this great resource to combat current and future challenges within health promotion and disease prevention.